Weekly Taxol for Stage 4
Comments
-
Shazza: thank you for your encouraging words and the welcome.
Laura: thank you for all the practical suggestions and advise! Yes, I was stage IV from the start. Feeling healthy and in great shape one day and the next day the big talk! Life can change so quickly, never thought I would end up like this. But we just keep going. I've already picked up a wig and some scarves! Definitely will keep you updated.
Florence
0 -
I had taxol number 60 this morning. I still have constant nausea so they have changed my regime again. I've started getting neuropathy too. I spoke to the Ocology Nurse Specialist who feels that my oncologist will stop my chemo at my next appointment on Monday, at least until things settle down. I'm due scans later in December and if things are all still stable I'm happy to start up again in the New Year.
I cant wait for a break. My body is just so over chemo. Mentally and physically
0 -
Shazza, so glad you are getting a break - you need it!! Big time!!! Hope you feel better.
0 -
Hi
I have also started to have funny SE's in my hands and feet, yesterday when I fell asleep in chemo because of the benedryl I shot awake with my legs jumping and pins and needles in my arms and hands. My teeth hurt so much and one tooth totally caved in on the dentist, he suggests a crown to protect the filling. Next day the other side of the mouth hurts with a nerve pain, so my onc thinks I need a break from chemo but the last time I did that I had progression to my lungs and lymphnodes in just 8 weeks. I have a scan on Dec 16 to see how taxol has worked after 6 mths on it and my numbers have come down so I am hopeful it has worked.
Wishing everyone good responses to their treatments
Allison
0 -
Smiley - sorry to hear about the mouth pain, that's got to be awful. I hope you get good scan results in December.
Shazza - please refresh my memory. You said before you never get a break from chemo, correct? You're not on the 3 weeks on/1 week off regime? 60 treatments, wow. Nothing is worse than nausea in my book. I do hope you get a break...and I do hope you get to go back on Taxol after the break.
Florence - yes, things do change in an instant, don't they? Keep us posted.
Laura
0 -
Hello:
I'm getting ready for my first Taxol treatment and somewhat nervous. My Onc keeps telling me it's an easy one, but I read the posts and it sure doesn't sound easy! Oh well, positive thoughts that this will halt my progression. Will keep you all posted.
Florence0 -
just to clarify how I recieve taxol. It's weekly with no week off between cycles. So 60 straight weeks. I did have 3 weeks off a couple of months ago but 2 of those weeks were spent in hospital so hardly a break I am also receiving the same dose I started on when they thought I was only going to be having 12 -18 doses.
I am the only person in New Zealand on long term Taxol that I know of certainly the only one at the hospital I attend,so they don't really have a protocol in place for it. It's just been a matter of keep going and see what happens and to be fair I got 18 cycles 54 treatments with no problems. It's just been the last 2 cycles where my body seems to have decided enough was enough.
I'm really hoping that a break plus stable scans can mean I will return to it again. I will discuss the week off between cycles as a possible option.
Hihopes please don't be to scared about the things you can read on these boards. taxol is for most a pretty easy chemo. It's taken over a year for me to have any problems with it.
0 -
Shazza, I hope that your break gives your body what it needs to keep the nasea away, if you go back to it. I am on a 3 week break, after only6 treatments. I thought I would have much more energy after two weeks, but so far still puny. One more week then back to three weeks on, one off. I got neuropathy in right hand when on Abraxane, felt it coming, but did not realize that it does not get better, and is painful, especially when it's cold. Hope all your SEs go away, your are our hero. I am hoping that when I have scans in January that they show taxol is working for me. Wilsie.
0 -
Hi,
Since it takes me so long to type anything, I usually just lurk. I've learned more by coming here than from my doctors. So I felt I should jump in with my experience. I had no problems with Taxol, other than losing my hair. Even then, I lost mousy grey, but it came back a nice silver. I had 95 treatments. Around 75 the nurses gave me a little party, gave me a crown and still call me their chemo queen. I was almost 3 years on it. Had a few others, none worked as well. After my last scan wasn't so good, I asked if I could have it again. We settled on Abraxane. 2 treatments so far, my fingers are crossed. Still feeling ok. I am so glad I found this site and so many wonderful brave lady's. You don't know how much it helps me to stay positive. Thank you all!
0 -
wow 95 treatments. Thats so amazing. Did you have a week off between cycles?
you are my new hero. On my current schedule it would take 2 years to get there not 3 but I dont think my body would cope. Im so asking for a week off between cycles when I start back up.
0 -
Welcome Sheris to the group, it was lovely to read your post. I've been on taxol twice and the onc is thinking I need a break because of teeth issues and starting to get funny feelings in my feet. I will have a scan in December and hope all the mets are gone, my tumour blood markers have come down significantly. Taxol also seems to be the medicine for me, dread the day it no longer works, I went on faslodex and had progression so anti hormonals no longer work for me. Looking forward to hearing more about you and enjoy the group there are some great ladies here and like you I find it very helpful and informative in a more positive way than dealing with the doctors
0 -
Hi Sheris and welcome! This Taxol forum is your very first post I see! We are honored, as it sounds like you have a lot of good experience you can share with us.
Can't talk today, I am procrastinating with my coffee before I go to chemo. It is 45 minutes away over a mountain and we are to get 2"-4" inches of snow today. So I better get my butt moving...
0 -
Hello everyone,
Sorry I haven't visited for awhile. Been dealing with my own little drama. Going onto a new chemo.
Hihopes, I trust your first infusion went well. I did it for 20 weeks and while I was on it was a very kind chemo to me.
Shazza, I am so sorry that you are struggling with nausea. I hope you get a chemo break and a chance to build up your strength again. You have done a lot of infusions and your body probably needs it.
Hope everyone else here is doing OK. Take care.
0 -
Shazza, I'm sure it was easier on me..I had 3 weeks on, then 1 off. After about 5 months, down to 2 weeks, then 1 week off. That's because there was no sign of cancer!? I was very surprised. First onc gave me very poor odds of living past 2 years. I am 65, and have copd, but I'm glad I didn't believe him. What is your dosage? I got 140 mg. I know that I could not have done every week. That really seems harsh. No wonder you need a break. I think you're the hero here.
Smiley47, Thank you for the welcome. Yes, coming here is more informative. Until I came here, I didn't know what I didn't know.
Benjnate, I'm so sorry for your long drive. Made far worse with snow. I am so fortunate, I live 5 minutes from the cancer center. It's fairly new, and had I needed chemo even a year earlier it'd have meant a 3 hour drive. I sure hope the weather cooperates and snow waits til you're home.
0 -
Springwatch I hope you have more luck with your new chemo. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Benjnate hope you got too and from chemo safely.
Sheris I'm on 130 mgs. Taxol reduced my mets significantly but I still have some active bone and lung stuff going on.It probably doesn't help that as a single mum I have to work and run a household but hopefully my Onc and I can sort out a schedule that works. I'm seeing him on Monday.
Hope everyone else is doing well. Summer finally seems to be arriving. We are having some glorious weather here today. Think I might need to get some instant tan on these legs before the weekend.
0 -
"I didn't know what I didn't know"..until coming to this site. I love that, so true Sheris! The drive in the snow was actually beautiful as the roads had been treated well so we didn't have any issues. My main office is in Pittsburgh which is 2 hours away and I visit 1x a month. My Onc lets me go to this branch office 45 minutes away which is a blessing. My youngest graduates from high school in June 2015 and then I am moving to Pittsburgh just to simplify my life. I am originally from their so I have friends and relatives I can rely on as my 2 sons go off on their life adventures after taking care of me through their high school years. Many of you can relate, yes? So sad, but hey, that's life. For those that live in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!
0 -
I had an oncologist appointment today and she has given the ok for me to have the next cycle off. We will see how things are going then. I should have had scans by then so will have a better idea of how things are placed. All going well I will return to taxol in the New Year but either on a reduced dose or different schedule. So pleased not to be going in to chemo tomorrow. Now just hoping this nausea goes away.
Hope everyone else is going well.
0 -
Fingers crossed for you, enjoy your chemo break. I asked my onc if the treatment I am on can be lowered in dose or a change to one week chemo and three off at a lower dose and she said this was not possible in Canada. It has to be three on and one off no dose change once cancer is stablised. Looking forward to your treatment plan in New Year
0 -
smiley I'm the only person in New Zealand I think on long term Taxol so there isn't a protocol in place. That's why I think we have just boxed on week after week on the same dose with no breaks. They usually stop at 18 weeks and never thought I would carry on as long as I have
0 -
Treatment #46 for me today. Smiley, it's interesting that there are so many variables on how tx is delivered to us. Here in Ireland, I went from 6 wks on 2 wks off to every 2nd wk to 1 wk on 2 wks off as onc tried to give me tx with a 'reasonable' qol. 'Reasonable' being relative, of course.
Shazza, hope you're feeling better and the nausea has abated. Feeling nauseous is so rotten. How lovely to have warm, sunny weather I hope you're able to get out and about and enjoy it.
Sheris, gosh that's very encouraging news that you stayed stable on taxol for so long and tolerated it so well. Fingers crossed that Abraxane works as well for you.
Hugs xx
0 -
Wanted to drop in and wish everyone well. I read the posts from you all every day.
Sadly I have an outbreak of shingles on my neck and ear. Was supposed to get xgeva shot today but left cAncer center with prescription for valtrex and pain medicine. supposed to get taxol #17 Wednesday but thinking I wont b/c of shingles. The pain takes my breath away. Had shingles back in 2003 after TAC. I hate having a delay in chemo but it is what it is. Hope your break helps Shazza and for every one else hang in.
Sister was here for Thanksgivng; thawing out from frozen tundra in Minneapolis. We had " the talk" about how serious this cAncer is for me. She was so receptive and not in denial which helped me feel less anxiety about this disease.
The desert is nice but we have rain and cooler temps. Anything is better then 115 this summer. Anyway wishing you all good response to taxol and no side effects. Well, minimal side effects. Pray these shingles I have go away. They are ugly. Best.
0 -
Diane50. Sorry to hear you have shingles thats very painful, i hope you managed to get through that ordeal. I sometimes wonder how we all manage, its not just the effects of chemo and our mental state, its the other health issues to wear us down with our day to day living. Living in the desert with extreme heat makes me wonder if you find that hard on your system, i moved this year closer to the city and the humidty was hard on me. How do yo find it?
0 -
Hi ShazzKelly
My onc is wanting me to have a chemo break because I am starting to have SEs from taxol - sore teeth and breaks in teeth, after last cycle I had teeth pain and problems and numbing in my feet. But this cycle I have no SEs but my blood numbers are all in normal range now and feeling well, unless I Look in the mirror and scare myself with the chemo look or fluffly white hair and dark circles unde my eyes. I had a chemo break last summer and with 12 weeks on faslodex I had progression and so i am scared to go off taxol and thought I might be ablet to stay on it with a lower dose or one treatment week to three off; not allowed. Has anyone ever gone off taxol to have progression and then to try again if they are completly NED and not have progression- reaching out in hope!
0 -
Hi Ladies, I don't have an answer to that last question, but wanted to pop in and give an update to my old group. I was on Taxol from April to August, when it gave me too many side effects. I was switched to Xeloda in Sept. I have done four cycles so far. I had scans a week ago, and just met with my doc., who OK'd me staying on a reduced dose of Xeloda for the coming month. The scans showed stability all around and no new worrisome findings. I thought she was going to yell at me for lowering my own dose from 3500mg a day to 2000mg., but she didn't! I can tolerate this now, and it looks like I have a whole month to feel pretty normal! I read about you guys when I log in, and am so hoping for smooth sailing for everyone. Big hugs.
0 -
Hi all,
MameMe, Glad that the Xeloda seems to be working for you. You switched to it just before I changed to it too. Xeloda didn't work for me and I had progression in my liver but I know for some it can work very well and for a long time. Kind of what I was hoping for when I started taking it.
Shazza, how are you feeling? Is the reduced chemo schedule helping.
Smiley, I am sorry about your dental issues. Has you onc suggested seeing an oral surgeon or dental specialist? I am sure there are a couple of ladies that returned to taxol or abraxane after a gap. Something I picked up from reading the treatments profiles under the posts. Why don't you start a new topic about this and see if you get a response.
Diana, Shingles! Painful! There seems to be so little you can do when you get them. Hope things settle down for you soon.
Waves to Aoibheann, Benjinate and ADH (how are doing?) and all the other ladies doing taxol.
0 -
Well, it's goodbye to Taxol, hello Gemzar/Carboplaten. After 8treatments, my counts are heading up, not down. My markers have been very reliable in the past, so guess I m moving on to another group. I hope everyone does well, with few side effects. At least my hair should grow back! Wilsi
0 -
Hi Ladies! I haven't been on here in awhile. November was a TOUGH month. I ended up in the hospital. But, I got through! I'm doing better now. I have to learn to better manage the side effects of the Xeloda/Taxol combo. It's not easy.
But....this is what I've learned:
Hydrate! I drink electrolyte water now. If you are dehydrated, water only won't work. This I know. You need the electrolytes.
Chapped lips: lanolin nipple cream (as in breast feeding aid) is better than anything else for the lips. Instant healing!
Eat. Even if it is one spoonful of baby food each hour, ya gotta eat.
Emu wool lined boots. My feet are peeling like a clementine. These boots are heaven. Along with the cream and uridine capsules mix.
I'm bald, no eyelashes, no shaving and I don't care..... I bought buffs and I wear this cheap acrylic beanie I found on a plane!! Go figure.
I'm not even sure which side effects go with which chemo, but I hope that helps someone out there. I'll update the same info on the Xeloda thread.
0 -
Dear Wilsie2:
Goodluck on Gemzar. It will be nice for you to have your hair back and hopefully your blood counts will go back down and SEs will be minimal
0 -
Thanks Skylotus for your advice and sorry to hear you had a hard month in November, hopefully you will be ok over the Christmas period. I had heard when rediagnosed from the community nurse visiting me that she saw a marked improvement in chemo pstients when they received extra hrydration from the hospital whilst having the chemo and when the community nurses visited the homes inbetween chemo with extra meds for hydration
0 -
Hi everyone - just back from a week vacation in beautiful sunny Florida and just read through the posts. Welcome to some, good bye to others and good luck on your new treatments. I was hospitalized with shingles a year ago as they were in my eye, with a chance of going blind so they had to monitor me. Diana, continue to take the meds for a few months, that's the only way you'll get true relief. If you live in an area with hills/mountains you may have trouble with altitudes/dizziness since they are in your ear. I actually got car sick once; hope you do better.
I can't imagine Xeloda and Taxol together, although I would do it in a minute if that's what my Onc said to do. I've been on both Skylotus, so if you have any questions, feel free to PM me. You have some really good advice. I would add that I wore disposable plastic gloves in the kitchen to protect my poor fingers that were peeling like crazy.
Thinking of the rest of you, and wishing you a pain/tired-free day.
0
